Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
